If he had been prone to self-reflection, Darian might've wondered why he bothered with formalities, whenever he ran into her after a long while. The imposed distance always seemed necessary though, like an armor, not against physical injury, and not because he feared rejection, but because it always took effort to let the walls down.
He should've known that Bethany was already inside.
"You know you have my assistance, if you want it." He looked up as a shadow flitted by the door. It was only a waiter, on his way to get more drinks. "There's something else I should tell you."